‘a precious end that is brought forth through suffering’

I received this story from a daily publication ‘God Thoughts Wired’, while reading the story, my thoughts were directed to our brothers and sisters that suffer for the cause of Christ….

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1 Peter 5: 6-10

The ole’ preacher gently held the delicate creature in the palm of his hand. “What is it?” asked the lad. “It’s called a cocoon,” explained the preacher. “It’s one of God’s marvelous mysteries. In time, this cocoon will yield a magnificent butterfly.” “Can I have it?” asked the boy. Well, yes you can, young man…under one condition,” the preacher pondered. “Anything,” said the boy. “Anything!”

“Well,” the caring old man began to instruct. “You may have this wondrous cocoon as long as you promise not to help the butterfly once it begins its escape. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE may you help it.” “Oh, I promise,” assured the boy. “I PROMISE!”

So the boy took the cocoon home and waited. And he waited and waited Soon, he watched as the miracle of life began to unfold. The butterfly began his quest, but the youngster was torn. As he watched the butterfly’s struggle, he couldn’t help but be tempted to offer some assistance. Indeed, the temptation was too great, and he gently pulled the cocoon apart. The butterfly escaped and began its ascend to freedom, damp wings and all, but soon plummeted to the earth and died.

Horrified, the stricken boy picked up the fallen creature and returned it to the ole’ preacher. Immediately, the man discerned what had happened. “You helped the butterfly escape didn’t you?” Weeping, the heartbroken lad acknowledged, “Yes I did, sir.” The ole’ preacher placed his arms firmly around the young boy’s shoulders and gently explained to him that his sincere, but misguided care for the butterfly had stripped it of its only opportunity to build the strength necessary for survival.

The struggle that had been perceived a curse was, in truth…a blessing in disguise.

*Adapted from an unknown author.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4

Pray for those in bonds, as bound with them. How will we remember to pray for them unless their plight is kept before us?

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"Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me." Martin Niemoller

Who will speak for those who can't speak for themselves?

“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this’, does not He who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He who guards your life know it? Will not He repay each one according to what he has done?”
Proverbs 24:11-12